A reliable, quiet, renewable opportunity
Pumped storage 101
Pumped storage hydro power represents nearly 95 per cent of global energy storage and there are 100 projects underway as more countries embrace this tried and true technology.
Pumped storage is a proven technology that has been utilized for more than a century. Over 127,000 megawatts (MW) of pumped storage capacity exists worldwide today, including 165 MW right here in Ontario. There is a need for additional new capacity to meet Ontario’s future energy demand. This is particularly true following the anticipated closure of the Pickering Nuclear Station in 2024.
The Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) estimates between 2,000 and 3,000 MW of new supply will be required to meet Ontario’s future demand.
Technology
How pumped storage works
The proposed project would provide 1,000 MW of flexible, reliable energy to Ontario’s electricity system using a technology known as pumped storage. It would be designed to store excess baseload generation — energy that is typically exported at a loss or entirely wasted. That stored energy would then provide electricity back to Ontarians when they need it most.
Once operating, the proposed facility would withdraw water from Georgian Bay, temporarily store it in a newly constructed upper reservoir, and later return the water to Georgian Bay. During periods of low electricity demand, water would be pumped upslope from Georgian Bay through enclosed pipes to the upper reservoir. When demand for electricity is high, the water is released down through the same pipes to generate electricity for the grid.
Stay updated!
Community newsletter
January 2024
Subscribe now!
Subscribe to our Pumped Storage Project Community Newsletter and we'll keep you updated on all the latest project developments.
